Re: Advice on 2004 Grand Cherokee
 

Roughly 12/24/03 06:09, Greg's monkeys randomly typed:

> Hello,
> above vehicle will be used to tow ~ 3000# trailer during the summer,
> usually just 20-30 miles 1-2 times a week.
> with 1 or 2 longer trips during the course of the summer.
>
> Looking for reliability ( and maybe fuel mileage running a close 2nd) more
> than anything ,as I tend to keep vehicles for a long time.
>
> Questions:
>
> 1-- 4.0 engine w/ 4 speed auto vs. 4.7 engine w/ 5 speed auto
>
> Any problems with either one of these engines or
> transmissions?

Not really. The V8 transmission does have a cute trick on downshift
that gives a slightly higher speed than it does on upshift.

The 4.0 can tow the trailer, but you'd probably be happier
with the V8 if you do it much. Get all of the tow package
addons such as extra transmission cooler, and plan on just
changing the fluid every 60K it should run forever.

>
> 2--Selec-Trac transfer case vs Quadra-Trac II transfer case
>
> I understand how they work and don't mind shifting into
> 4WD
> but would one be better than the other for towing?
>
> Also we live in a snow belt area so we get a couple hundred inches of snow a
> year :-)

Yikes. If you get the Limited or Overland, get the continuously
variable Quadra-Drive and Vari-Lock axles. Details under the
4x4 links on the www.jeep.com page. On the lowermodels, the
QTrac 2. Unless you plan on hardcore rock crawling.

For snow, the full time 4wd's work when needed. There may be
some mileage benefit from the availability of the 2WD modes on
the Selectrac, dunno. For slippery mud, etc. the part time
4wd can lock the front and rear, but not really that much better
than the Quadra-Drive and Vari-Lock.

>
> 3-- Any problems in general with the Grand Cherokee??
>
Getting rid of that ---- eating grin mostly, plus getting
your wife out of the driver's seat...

--
Fan of the dumbest team in America.

Re: Advice on 2004 Grand Cherokee
 

Roughly 12/24/03 06:09, Greg's monkeys randomly typed:

> Hello,
> above vehicle will be used to tow ~ 3000# trailer during the summer,
> usually just 20-30 miles 1-2 times a week.
> with 1 or 2 longer trips during the course of the summer.
>
> Looking for reliability ( and maybe fuel mileage running a close 2nd) more
> than anything ,as I tend to keep vehicles for a long time.
>
> Questions:
>
> 1-- 4.0 engine w/ 4 speed auto vs. 4.7 engine w/ 5 speed auto
>
> Any problems with either one of these engines or
> transmissions?

Not really. The V8 transmission does have a cute trick on downshift
that gives a slightly higher speed than it does on upshift.

The 4.0 can tow the trailer, but you'd probably be happier
with the V8 if you do it much. Get all of the tow package
addons such as extra transmission cooler, and plan on just
changing the fluid every 60K it should run forever.

>
> 2--Selec-Trac transfer case vs Quadra-Trac II transfer case
>
> I understand how they work and don't mind shifting into
> 4WD
> but would one be better than the other for towing?
>
> Also we live in a snow belt area so we get a couple hundred inches of snow a
> year :-)

Yikes. If you get the Limited or Overland, get the continuously
variable Quadra-Drive and Vari-Lock axles. Details under the
4x4 links on the www.jeep.com page. On the lowermodels, the
QTrac 2. Unless you plan on hardcore rock crawling.

For snow, the full time 4wd's work when needed. There may be
some mileage benefit from the availability of the 2WD modes on
the Selectrac, dunno. For slippery mud, etc. the part time
4wd can lock the front and rear, but not really that much better
than the Quadra-Drive and Vari-Lock.

>
> 3-- Any problems in general with the Grand Cherokee??
>
Getting rid of that ---- eating grin mostly, plus getting
your wife out of the driver's seat...

--
Fan of the dumbest team in America.

Re: Advice on 2004 Grand Cherokee
 

Roughly 12/24/03 06:09, Greg's monkeys randomly typed:

> Hello,
> above vehicle will be used to tow ~ 3000# trailer during the summer,
> usually just 20-30 miles 1-2 times a week.
> with 1 or 2 longer trips during the course of the summer.
>
> Looking for reliability ( and maybe fuel mileage running a close 2nd) more
> than anything ,as I tend to keep vehicles for a long time.
>
> Questions:
>
> 1-- 4.0 engine w/ 4 speed auto vs. 4.7 engine w/ 5 speed auto
>
> Any problems with either one of these engines or
> transmissions?

Not really. The V8 transmission does have a cute trick on downshift
that gives a slightly higher speed than it does on upshift.

The 4.0 can tow the trailer, but you'd probably be happier
with the V8 if you do it much. Get all of the tow package
addons such as extra transmission cooler, and plan on just
changing the fluid every 60K it should run forever.

>
> 2--Selec-Trac transfer case vs Quadra-Trac II transfer case
>
> I understand how they work and don't mind shifting into
> 4WD
> but would one be better than the other for towing?
>
> Also we live in a snow belt area so we get a couple hundred inches of snow a
> year :-)

Yikes. If you get the Limited or Overland, get the continuously
variable Quadra-Drive and Vari-Lock axles. Details under the
4x4 links on the www.jeep.com page. On the lowermodels, the
QTrac 2. Unless you plan on hardcore rock crawling.

For snow, the full time 4wd's work when needed. There may be
some mileage benefit from the availability of the 2WD modes on
the Selectrac, dunno. For slippery mud, etc. the part time
4wd can lock the front and rear, but not really that much better
than the Quadra-Drive and Vari-Lock.

>
> 3-- Any problems in general with the Grand Cherokee??
>
Getting rid of that ---- eating grin mostly, plus getting
your wife out of the driver's seat...

--
Fan of the dumbest team in America.

Re: Advice on 2004 Grand Cherokee
 

Roughly 12/24/03 07:33, Greg's monkeys randomly typed:

>> You'd be real happy with the 4.7L (don't spend extra for the High-Output
>> version) and Quadratrac when towing or just driving around, I know we are.
>>
>> Jerry
>
> Thanks for the reply, Jerry
>
> I test drove a 4.7 HO and it was pretty impressive.
> It was kind of disheartening when the trip computer said I got 7.8 MPG.

You may have been testing performance a bit too much. A friend's
2003 4.7 HO Overland gets so close to the same mileage I get in a
95 ZJ 4.0 that I keep taking the missus by the local dealer "accidentally"
[is her ZJ, but she is nice enough to let me play...]. In town
about 15 if mostly the expressways, highway roughly 20.

--
Fan of the dumbest team in America.

Re: Advice on 2004 Grand Cherokee
 

Roughly 12/24/03 07:33, Greg's monkeys randomly typed:

>> You'd be real happy with the 4.7L (don't spend extra for the High-Output
>> version) and Quadratrac when towing or just driving around, I know we are.
>>
>> Jerry
>
> Thanks for the reply, Jerry
>
> I test drove a 4.7 HO and it was pretty impressive.
> It was kind of disheartening when the trip computer said I got 7.8 MPG.

You may have been testing performance a bit too much. A friend's
2003 4.7 HO Overland gets so close to the same mileage I get in a
95 ZJ 4.0 that I keep taking the missus by the local dealer "accidentally"
[is her ZJ, but she is nice enough to let me play...]. In town
about 15 if mostly the expressways, highway roughly 20.

--
Fan of the dumbest team in America.

Re: Advice on 2004 Grand Cherokee
 

Roughly 12/24/03 07:33, Greg's monkeys randomly typed:

>> You'd be real happy with the 4.7L (don't spend extra for the High-Output
>> version) and Quadratrac when towing or just driving around, I know we are.
>>
>> Jerry
>
> Thanks for the reply, Jerry
>
> I test drove a 4.7 HO and it was pretty impressive.
> It was kind of disheartening when the trip computer said I got 7.8 MPG.

You may have been testing performance a bit too much. A friend's
2003 4.7 HO Overland gets so close to the same mileage I get in a
95 ZJ 4.0 that I keep taking the missus by the local dealer "accidentally"
[is her ZJ, but she is nice enough to let me play...]. In town
about 15 if mostly the expressways, highway roughly 20.

--
Fan of the dumbest team in America.

Re: Advice on 2004 Grand Cherokee
 

From what I have seen lately at our Jeep dealership Chrysler seems have got
most of the bugs out of the WJ. "Grand Cherokee". The brakes are the only
sore spot. The front brake rotors tend to warp, of which Chrysler has
addressed. You will definitely need the 4.7 engine with the 45RFE Trans to
pull the weight you are taking about. I would stay away from the select
track because there are no advantages, either fuel mileage or reliability to
have it. Select track is out dated and at times can be a problem to engage
when you need it. There may be an additional trans oil cooler available for
the WJ. Mechanically the WJs are all solid no matter what drive train they
have.
Hope this helps
Mike

"Greg" <vze4973g@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:V6hGb.3364$1o.790@nwrdny01.gnilink.net...
> Hello,
> above vehicle will be used to tow ~ 3000# trailer during the summer,
> usually just 20-30 miles 1-2 times a week.
> with 1 or 2 longer trips during the course of the summer.
>
> Looking for reliability ( and maybe fuel mileage running a close 2nd)
more
> than anything ,as I tend to keep vehicles for a long time.
>
> Questions:
>
> 1-- 4.0 engine w/ 4 speed auto vs. 4.7 engine w/ 5 speed auto
>
> Any problems with either one of these engines or
> transmissions?
>
> 2--Selec-Trac transfer case vs Quadra-Trac II transfer case
>
> I understand how they work and don't mind shifting
into
> 4WD
> but would one be better than the other for towing?
>
> Also we live in a snow belt area so we get a couple hundred inches of snow
a
> year :-)
>
> 3-- Any problems in general with the Grand Cherokee??
>
> Thanks for any info,
> ---Greg---
>
>

Re: Advice on 2004 Grand Cherokee
 

From what I have seen lately at our Jeep dealership Chrysler seems have got
most of the bugs out of the WJ. "Grand Cherokee". The brakes are the only
sore spot. The front brake rotors tend to warp, of which Chrysler has
addressed. You will definitely need the 4.7 engine with the 45RFE Trans to
pull the weight you are taking about. I would stay away from the select
track because there are no advantages, either fuel mileage or reliability to
have it. Select track is out dated and at times can be a problem to engage
when you need it. There may be an additional trans oil cooler available for
the WJ. Mechanically the WJs are all solid no matter what drive train they
have.
Hope this helps
Mike

"Greg" <vze4973g@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:V6hGb.3364$1o.790@nwrdny01.gnilink.net...
> Hello,
> above vehicle will be used to tow ~ 3000# trailer during the summer,
> usually just 20-30 miles 1-2 times a week.
> with 1 or 2 longer trips during the course of the summer.
>
> Looking for reliability ( and maybe fuel mileage running a close 2nd)
more
> than anything ,as I tend to keep vehicles for a long time.
>
> Questions:
>
> 1-- 4.0 engine w/ 4 speed auto vs. 4.7 engine w/ 5 speed auto
>
> Any problems with either one of these engines or
> transmissions?
>
> 2--Selec-Trac transfer case vs Quadra-Trac II transfer case
>
> I understand how they work and don't mind shifting
into
> 4WD
> but would one be better than the other for towing?
>
> Also we live in a snow belt area so we get a couple hundred inches of snow
a
> year :-)
>
> 3-- Any problems in general with the Grand Cherokee??
>
> Thanks for any info,
> ---Greg---
>
>

Re: Advice on 2004 Grand Cherokee
 

From what I have seen lately at our Jeep dealership Chrysler seems have got
most of the bugs out of the WJ. "Grand Cherokee". The brakes are the only
sore spot. The front brake rotors tend to warp, of which Chrysler has
addressed. You will definitely need the 4.7 engine with the 45RFE Trans to
pull the weight you are taking about. I would stay away from the select
track because there are no advantages, either fuel mileage or reliability to
have it. Select track is out dated and at times can be a problem to engage
when you need it. There may be an additional trans oil cooler available for
the WJ. Mechanically the WJs are all solid no matter what drive train they
have.
Hope this helps
Mike

"Greg" <vze4973g@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:V6hGb.3364$1o.790@nwrdny01.gnilink.net...
> Hello,
> above vehicle will be used to tow ~ 3000# trailer during the summer,
> usually just 20-30 miles 1-2 times a week.
> with 1 or 2 longer trips during the course of the summer.
>
> Looking for reliability ( and maybe fuel mileage running a close 2nd)
more
> than anything ,as I tend to keep vehicles for a long time.
>
> Questions:
>
> 1-- 4.0 engine w/ 4 speed auto vs. 4.7 engine w/ 5 speed auto
>
> Any problems with either one of these engines or
> transmissions?
>
> 2--Selec-Trac transfer case vs Quadra-Trac II transfer case
>
> I understand how they work and don't mind shifting
into
> 4WD
> but would one be better than the other for towing?
>
> Also we live in a snow belt area so we get a couple hundred inches of snow
a
> year :-)
>
> 3-- Any problems in general with the Grand Cherokee??
>
> Thanks for any info,
> ---Greg---
>
>

Re: Advice on 2004 Grand Cherokee
 

Michael,

I work for a Jeep dealership and have been selling Jeeps for four
years, sounds as if you work for one too.

Question, why would you say that the 4.7 is needed for towing 3000
lbs. The 4.0 I-6 can tow 5000 lbs. 4.7 - 6500 lbs.

Comment; the select-trac has been proven for a long time, difficult to
engage? I disagree.

Kevin O'Brien
email; kmobrien76@yahoo.com
Jeep dealer
Massachusetts






"Michael Simon" <msimon800@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:<vuk9ll2kumjr96@corp.supernews.com>...
> From what I have seen lately at our Jeep dealership Chrysler seems have got
> most of the bugs out of the WJ. "Grand Cherokee". The brakes are the only
> sore spot. The front brake rotors tend to warp, of which Chrysler has
> addressed. You will definitely need the 4.7 engine with the 45RFE Trans to
> pull the weight you are taking about. I would stay away from the select
> track because there are no advantages, either fuel mileage or reliability to
> have it. Select track is out dated and at times can be a problem to engage
> when you need it. There may be an additional trans oil cooler available for
> the WJ. Mechanically the WJs are all solid no matter what drive train they
> have.
> Hope this helps
> Mike
>
> "Greg" <vze4973g@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:V6hGb.3364$1o.790@nwrdny01.gnilink.net...
> > Hello,
> > above vehicle will be used to tow ~ 3000# trailer during the summer,
> > usually just 20-30 miles 1-2 times a week.
> > with 1 or 2 longer trips during the course of the summer.
> >
> > Looking for reliability ( and maybe fuel mileage running a close 2nd)
> more
> > than anything ,as I tend to keep vehicles for a long time.
> >
> > Questions:
> >
> > 1-- 4.0 engine w/ 4 speed auto vs. 4.7 engine w/ 5 speed auto
> >
> > Any problems with either one of these engines or
> > transmissions?
> >
> > 2--Selec-Trac transfer case vs Quadra-Trac II transfer case
> >
> > I understand how they work and don't mind shifting
> into
> > 4WD
> > but would one be better than the other for towing?
> >
> > Also we live in a snow belt area so we get a couple hundred inches of snow
> a
> > year :-)
> >
> > 3-- Any problems in general with the Grand Cherokee??
> >
> > Thanks for any info,
> > ---Greg---
> >
> >